About this time of the year, Sydney University Bushwalkers have an easy Christmas Walk to the Coxs River close to the Six Foot Track. However this year, the Six Foot Track was closed due to bushfire close to it, so the trip leader, Ashley, moved the walk to Sassafras Gully at Springwood.
The campsite, was a large flat area at the junction of Sassafras Gully and Glenbrook Creek. At the junction, as well as the campsite, is a large pool – known as “The Lagoon” which is great for swimming.
I travelled up to the mountains with Roger, and after lunch at Springwood, we walked down via the Wiggins Track. I know the current drought has affected the Blue Mountains pretty badly, but was surprised to see the creek in Sassafras Gully had stopped flowing, and the streambed mostly dry sand and pebbles. There were w few pools of stagnant looking water here and there, and they were covered with fallen leaves. I have never seen the area so dry! And this is a place I have regularly visited since the 1960’s.
The Lagoon, fortunately was still full of water. It was great for swimming. During the late afternoon, the campsite filled up as others arrived. That evening we had a pleasant time hearing food and drink, not around a fire, but around our stoves. There was a park fire ban.
The next morning, after a leisurely breakfast, most of the party walked out before the day became too hot. And it was good to later enjoy a nice brunch with Wendy at a cafe in Springwood.